Online Case-Based Course in Veterinary Radiographic Interpretation Generates Better Short- and Long-Term Learning Outcomes than a Virtual Lecture-Based Course

• DOI: 10.3138/jvme-2022-0093
• Publication Date: 2022-12-21T19:56:20Z
• Authors: Elizabeth Devine; Julie A. Hunt; Stacy L. Anderson; Marina V. Mavromatis
• Keywords: 0403 veterinary science; 4. Education; 04 agricultural and veterinary sciences

Accurate interpretation of radiographs is necessary for the correct diagnosis and treatment of patients. Research has shown that active learning methods, including case-based learning, are superior to passive learning methods, such as lectures. Short-term learning outcomes were compared between two groups by enrolling 80 fourth-semester veterinary students in either an online case-based radiology course ( n = 40) or a virtual lecture-based course ( n = 40). Long-term learning outcomes were compared among three groups: one group completed case-based instruction in the fourth semester, followed by lecture-based instruction in the fourth semester ( n = 19); the second group completed only lecture-based instruction in the fourth semester ( n = 22), and the third group completed lecture-based instruction in the fourth semester, followed by case-based instruction in the fifth semester ( n = 9). Learning was assessed using a multiple-choice examination and two independently written small animal radiograph reports. In the fourth semester, students completing the case-based course had higher examination scores and radiograph report scores than students who took the lecture-based course. Students completing the lecture-based course in the fourth semester and the case-based course in the fifth semester wrote better radiograph reports than students who completed both courses in the fourth semester; both groups wrote better reports than students who did not take the case-based course. A case-based diagnostic imaging course may be better than a lecture-based course for both short- and long-term retention of knowledge; however, there is a significant loss of knowledge following an instructional gap, and spaced refreshers may boost retention.